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CANADA'S NEW GOVERNMENT INVESTS $6 MILLION IN GEOSCIENCE PROJECTS IN NUNAVUT

OTTAWA, ONTARIO (November 20, 2006) – The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, announced today the Government of Canada's investment of $6 million for two Nunavut geoscience projects under the Targeted Investment Program.

“These projects will provide new and invaluable data on Nunavut's geography and geology,” said Minister Prentice. “The information can be used by mineral exploration companies, municipalities, hunters, and even search and rescue officials, and will help stimulate investment and economic development in the territory.”

The Government of Nunavut will receive the first investment of $4.5 million over the next three years to fund seven projects designed to geologically map areas in the territory that have high mineral potential but are under-explored.

“These projects will not only gather geoscience information but will also increase public awareness of Nunavut's geology and its economic potential. This will have a positive impact on Nunavut's economy,” said Olayuk Akesuk, Minister of Economic Development and Transportation with the Government of Nunavut.

The second investment is $1.5 million for Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated's (NTI) detailed topographic mapping project (1:50,000 scale). This three-year investment, along with matching funds from Natural Resources Canada, will build upon mapping work completed in 2005-06. The project will update, digitize and correct all existing 1:50,000 and 1:250,000 scale topographic maps for Nunavut and create about 120 new maps.

“NTI is pleased to be participating in this important project with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Natural Resources Canada. The more detailed 1:50,000 scale mapping will be very helpful to all those that use and manage the lands and resources in Nunavut,” said NTI 1st Vice-President and Vice-President of Finance James Eetoolook.

The Targeted Investment Program is one of two main programs under the Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Develoment initiative (SINED). Projects funded under SINED focus on strengthening key economic activities: broadening the economic base of each territory, strengthening Northerners' abilities to take advantage of economic opportunities, and increasing coordination among partners and programs. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada works with the Government of Nunavut and the Nunavut Economic Forum to identify investments in priority areas like geoscience, and skills and capacity development. The investments made will help generate important economic opportunities for Northerners, businesses and communities.

For more information contact:

Media Relations 819-953-1160.

Deirdra McCracken
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jim Prentice
819-997-0002

Maria O'Hearn
Communications Manager
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Nunavut Regional Office
867-975-4725
ohearnm@inac.gc.ca

Eva Michael
Communications Manager
Government of Nunavut
Economic Development and Transportation
867-975-7808
emichael@gov.nu.ca

Kerry McCluskey
Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
867-975-4914
kerry@tunngavik.com

Backgrounder - Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development

Backgrounder - Nunavut Geoscience Projects funded Under the Targeted Investment Program

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